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Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.

Human Interaction

Awhile ago, a comment was made in regards to travel budget cuts that I haven’t been able to shake. Someone mentioned how many people hadn’t been able to meet the colleagues they work with (remotely) daily or see the work they’re contributing to in person as a result. The same person then said that it’s hard to quantify it, but he thinks that it ultimately negatively affects more than one would think. A serious concern work-wise, but it made me realize something many people probaby have thought by now. We are so connected– phones, computers, emails, texts, telecons, video conferences, you name it– but at the end of the day, nothing can replace face to face contact or seeing something you pour yourself into upclose and personal.

When I watched the Red Sox World Series parade (from the comfort of my couch) and saw the rolling rally head down Boylston Street, past the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Seeing them stop, place the trophy and the “617 Boston Strong” jersey right on the line, and singing “God Bless America” along with the crowd, I got chills (and wept). Many of these people were strangers, but they felt connected as Bostonians– and as humans. They celebrated, but they remembered an experience in common, a shared pain.

We’re programmed to need other people. We’re pack animals! But even while we’re with others, it’s so easy to let our minds wander, pick up our phone to scroll through it. I’m just as guilty as anyone and I’m trying to consciously change that, but it’s hard to do. Here’s to a year where I live more in the moment and better foster my relationships with those I love. Be more patient with people, feel more empathetic for those around me.

Although, I’m still going to think you’re a jerk if I let you go in traffic and you don’t wave to thank me.